Description
Indications
Seroquel, generically known as quetiapine, is an oral antipsychotic medication used to treat mental health conditions. Seroquel can be used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. It was developed in the early 1990s by AstraZeneca and has since become one of the most prescribed medications for these psychiatric illnesses.
Quetiapine belongs to a group called anti-psychotic drug (atypical type). Anti-psychotic drugs work by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to help alleviate symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders.
Seroquel (Quetiapine) is a medication used to reduce hallucinations and improve concentration. It can help improve cognitive functioning, reduce anxiety, and increase engagement in daily activities. Seroquel can help regulate mood, improve sleep quality, increase appetite, and increase energy levels. Furthermore, Quetiapine can help prevent or reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings.
Uses and Dosage
Seroquel (Quetiapine) is available in the form of tablets and should be taken orally as prescribed by your doctor, typically 2 or 3 times per day with or without food. Seroquel (Quetiapine) tablets should be swallowed whole, as chewing, crushing, or breaking the tablet can reduce its effectiveness. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this medication for the best results.
The dosage of Seroquel (quetiapine) is based on the individual patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. Depending on the condition being treated, the dosage of Seroquel may be adjusted based on other medications you are taking. Your doctor will monitor your progress closely and adjust your dosage as needed.
| Indication | Initial Dose and Titration | Recommended Dose | Maximum Dose |
| Schizophrenia – Adults | 300 mg/day Dose increases can be made at intervals as short as 1 day and in increments of up to 300 mg/day | 400-800 mg/day | 800 mg/day |
| Schizophrenia – Adolescents (13 to 17 years) | Day 1: 50 mg/day
Day 2: 100 mg/day Day 3: 200 mg/day Day 4: 300 mg/day Day 5: 400 mg/day |
400-800 mg/day | 800 mg/day |
| Schizophrenia Maintenance -Monotherapy – Adults | Not applicable | 400-800 mg/day | 800 mg/day |
| Bipolar I Disorder manic or mixed – Acute monotherapy or adjunct to lithium or divalproex – Adults | Day 1: 300 mg/day
Day 2: 600 mg/day Day 3: between 400 and 800 mg/day |
400-800 mg/day | 800 mg/day |
| Bipolar I Disorder, manic – Acute monotherapy – Children and Adolescents (10 to 17 years) | Day 1: 50 mg/day
Day 2: 100 mg/day Day 3: 200 mg/day Day 4: 300 mg/day Day 5: 400 mg/day |
400-600 mg/day | 600 mg/day |
| Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Episodes -Adults | Day 1: 50 mg/day
Day 2: 100 mg/day Day 3: 200 mg/day Day 4: 300 mg/day |
300 mg/day | 300 mg/day |
| Bipolar I Disorder Maintenance – Adjunct to lithium or divalproex – Adults | Not applicable | 400-800 mg/day | 800 mg/day |
| Major Depressive Disorder – Adjunctive Therapy with Antidepressants – Adults | Day 1: 50 mg/day
Day 2: 50 mg/day Day 3: 150 mg/day |
150-300 mg/day | 300 mg/day |
Side Effects
Common side effects of Quetiapine Include:
- Appetite increase
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping, speaking, and swallowing
- Dizziness/drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling weak
- Headache
- Irritability
- Light-headedness/feeling faint
- Nausea/vomiting
- Nightmares
- Swelling of arms/legs
Serious Side Effects of Using Quetiapine Include:
- Abnormal muscle movements
- Agranulocytosis: infections, fatigue, fever, aches, pains, flu symptoms
- Blood clotting: swelling, pain and redness in extremities, chest pain
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypotension
- Hypothermia
- Intestinal blockage
- Liver disorder
- Pancreatitis
- Restless leg syndrome
- Somnambulism
- Tardive Dyskinesia
Form and Strength
Seroquel and its generic alternative Quetiapine are available in the following form and strengths:
Seroquel: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
- 300 mg
Quetiapine: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 100 mg
- 200 mg
- 300 mg
Caution
- If you forget to take a dose of Seroquel (Quetiapine), take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose or take more than the prescribed amount.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while taking Seroquel (Quetiapine) as they can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of adverse effects such as confusion and sedation.
- Quetiapine may cause problems in newborns if it is taken during the last trimester of pregnancy, so it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication with your doctor.
- You should not breastfeed while taking quetiapine, as it may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in nursing infants.
- Quetiapine (Seroquel) may decrease fertility in women, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication. Quetiapine can cause menstrual irregularities and may affect ovulation, making it more difficult to become pregnant.
- Quetiapine (Seroquel) may cause drowsiness, so it is important to be aware of this side effect and take precautions to avoid falls or any other accidents. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Does It Take for Quetiapine to Work?
It may take several weeks to see big enough changes in your symptoms to decide if quetiapine is the right medication for you.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do if I experience side effects from taking Seroquel?
If you experience any side effects while taking Seroquel, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to assess the severity of the side effects and recommend the best course of action.
Is Seroquel addictive?
Seroquel is not considered addictive. However, as with all medications, it is important to only use Seroquel as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Does Seroquel interact with any other medications?
Yes, Seroquel can interact with other medications, including other antipsychotics, antidepressants, and certain antibiotics. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking before starting Seroquel.
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